12-year-old schoolgirl gives birth

A 12-year-old schoolgirl and her 13-year-old boyfriend are believed to have become Britain's youngest parents.

She became pregnant at the age of 11 and gave birth to a girl weighing 7lb 4oz on Sunday. Being 12 years and three months old makes her five months younger than the previous youngest mother, Tressa Middleton, who gave birth in Edinburgh in 2006, according to The Sun.

A source told the newspaper: "The baby's mum and dad have been in a relationship for more than a year, so this isn't a fleeting romance. They intend to stick together and bring their daughter up together.

"They're very into each other, totally in love. She's in Year 7, he's in Year 9 at a different school."

April Webster and Nathan Fishbourne, the previous youngest parents, were 14 when their son Jamie was born in Caerphilly, South Wales, in 2010.

The new mother was 10 when she met her boyfriend. The pair, from north London, cannot be named for legal reasons. The schoolgirl lives with her mother, who is 27, and is supportive of the couple.

Yesterday, the new mother went to a register office to register the birth with her own mother and another woman.

Her classmates were "shocked" when they heard she had had a baby as she did not look pregnant right up until last month when she was still going to school, the Sun was told.

Hilary Pannack, chief executive of teenage pregnancy charity Straight Talking, said: "I know girls who've been pregnant at 13 and have had the baby, and I've heard of 12-year-olds before.

"It costs £100,000 to the taxpayer to support the average teenage mother in the first five years - it is a reason but is not the primary reason to stop teenage pregnancy, which is that we are talking about young people's lives.

"We need to stop the cycle of teenage parents having children who are more likely to become teenage parents themselves."

On youngsters having sex at such an early age, she said: "In the same way that young people understand how to smoke a cigarette, they may not necessarily be concerned with the implications. They do not necessarily think they could get cancer, they think they are immortal and it will not happen to them.They just do not understand the implications of early parenthood and they do not understand the responsibilities.

"It is not the end of their lives but they will be dependent on their parents for a long time and the state in the future because they do not have the qualifications and they may not stay together."

Sex education doesn't work over hormones and ignorance, logically implantation of contraceptives is needed prior to puberty onset. It won't stop promiscuity, it will stop this sort of thing going on, sadly I suspect an outpouring of support for this child from the liberal/rights areas, when we need the opposite to deter it happening.

Sex education doesn't work over hormones and ignorance, logically implantation of contraceptives is needed prior to puberty onset. It won't stop promiscuity, it will stop this sort of thing going on, sadly I suspect an outpouring of support for this child from the liberal/rights areas, when we need the opposite to deter it happening.Mervyn James

The legal ramifications of these could be huge, if the committed relationship remains what happens when the father is 16 and the mother is under age. While I am not a ware of anything specific if both parties are the under age of consent, the law is very clear on this when one is over the age of consent and the other is not. Would the father be charged for past events or does he have to stop sleeping with the mother of his child until she is of age. I am not passing any judgments on any one here, but if the legal side is not handled properly it could open the doors to more child abuse.

The legal ramifications of these could be huge, if the committed relationship remains what happens when the father is 16 and the mother is under age. While I am not a ware of anything specific if both parties are the under age of consent, the law is very clear on this when one is over the age of consent and the other is not. Would the father be charged for past events or does he have to stop sleeping with the mother of his child until she is of age. I am not passing any judgments on any one here, but if the legal side is not handled properly it could open the doors to more child abuse.RealLivin

Kids having kids and we the taxpayer have to fund this. I bet they will be on Jeremy Kyle when they reach 16. Is this the story about the youngest grandparents (aged 27) and that her fatter is in prision?

Kids having kids and we the taxpayer have to fund this. I bet they will be on Jeremy Kyle when they reach 16. Is this the story about the youngest grandparents (aged 27) and that her fatter is in prision?concerned.erith

Maybe if kids weren't given so much sex education, they wouldn't be so curious. Dare I suggest these kids are sterilised before they end up with a huge family that costs the taxpayer loads.

Maybe if kids weren't given so much sex education, they wouldn't be so curious. Dare I suggest these kids are sterilised before they end up with a huge family that costs the taxpayer loads.I care about rayleigh

If you had an eleven year old daughter with a boyfriend wouldn't you watch them both like hawks to preclude temptation getting an opportunity? They might not like being given strict rules, but that is what good and attentive parents do to protect the very young from themselves.

This is not a case for prosecution of the children involved as it would serve no useful purpose, but perhaps the parental role should come under scrutiny. There is always the chance that the parents were careful and unlucky, but as we see so often today, many let their young run wild. If that's the case here I'd be happy for the police to throw the book at them as, in my opinion, they would be the ones responsible for the law being broken and having these children's lives spoilt before they've hardly begun.

If you had an eleven year old daughter with a boyfriend wouldn't you watch them both like hawks to preclude temptation getting an opportunity? They might not like being given strict rules, but that is what good and attentive parents do to protect the very young from themselves.
This is not a case for prosecution of the children involved as it would serve no useful purpose, but perhaps the parental role should come under scrutiny. There is always the chance that the parents were careful and unlucky, but as we see so often today, many let their young run wild. If that's the case here I'd be happy for the police to throw the book at them as, in my opinion, they would be the ones responsible for the law being broken and having these children's lives spoilt before they've hardly begun.D_Penn

I understand the negative generalisation surrounding teenage parents. But what age is said to be ideal to have a child? I had my son at 18. So technically I was a teenage parent. My husband was 20 at the time. But that didn't mean I depend on others to fund and care for my child. I have been married for almost 4 years, my son turned 3 in February, and since my sons arrival I have completed my a levels, got a part time job, regularly do voluntary work and am now completing the second year of my bachelor degree. So please don't stereotype...

I understand the negative generalisation surrounding teenage parents. But what age is said to be ideal to have a child? I had my son at 18. So technically I was a teenage parent. My husband was 20 at the time. But that didn't mean I depend on others to fund and care for my child. I have been married for almost 4 years, my son turned 3 in February, and since my sons arrival I have completed my a levels, got a part time job, regularly do voluntary work and am now completing the second year of my bachelor degree. So please don't stereotype...deekaytee

I find your post very odd. You were 18, well above the legal age of consent.

Here we are talking about children, barely adolescents, with the girl being five and a half years below the age of consent when she got pregnant!!

Can you not see that there is no sensible comparison whatsoever between your history and theirs. So I'm sorry, but to talk about stereotyping is ridiculous in this context.

@deekaytee
I find your post very odd. You were 18, well above the legal age of consent.
Here we are talking about children, barely adolescents, with the girl being five and a half years below the age of consent when she got pregnant!!
Can you not see that there is no sensible comparison whatsoever between your history and theirs. So I'm sorry, but to talk about stereotyping is ridiculous in this context.D_Penn

It is relative in the sense that people state that life stops after having a child. And I just wondered is there an ideal age? Because some people aren't ready to be parents in their late twenties either. I do fully understand the questioning around the age and laws. And given the chance people may be able to prove that kids having kids isn't a complete negative. But no ones even giving these young parents a chance. Although I would like to state every individual is different and some people just tend to handle having kids better than others.

It is relative in the sense that people state that life stops after having a child. And I just wondered is there an ideal age? Because some people aren't ready to be parents in their late twenties either. I do fully understand the questioning around the age and laws. And given the chance people may be able to prove that kids having kids isn't a complete negative. But no ones even giving these young parents a chance. Although I would like to state every individual is different and some people just tend to handle having kids better than others.deekaytee

deekaytee wrote:
It is relative in the sense that people state that life stops after having a child. And I just wondered is there an ideal age? Because some people aren't ready to be parents in their late twenties either. I do fully understand the questioning around the age and laws. And given the chance people may be able to prove that kids having kids isn't a complete negative. But no ones even giving these young parents a chance. Although I would like to state every individual is different and some people just tend to handle having kids better than others.

You cannot be serious. A twelve year old cannot take care of themselves let alone a child of their own.Then there's the question of the stability of the parent's relationship. The chances of them staying together is very, very low. Their child will almost certainly therefore be deprived of one parent - probably the father - who will be chased for maintenance as soon as he starts earning.

In the meantime, the state, i.e. taxpayers, will pick up the considerable tab for bringing up the baby as the parents cannot earn and will therefore qualify for every benefit going. I'll bet the grandparents, even if well off, won't turn the money away either.

The problem is that the ultra-liberalism you are demonstrating here, where children breed children, is precisely the attitude that has encouraged undersge sex and resulted in so many babies being born and ending up in broken homes. Making excuses for children this young getting pregnant is effectively giving the go ahead for all eleven year old girls to have sexual relationships. It's also like ringing the dinner bell for paedophiles.

Can you not see that children need clear boundaries set to protect them, not daft and confusing philosophising that getting pregnant at eleven 'isn't a complete negative'. That's a terrible message and if followed would condemn many children to make mistakes that would very likely lead them into a life of hardship and benefit dependency.

I wonder how you would feel if your own son was having a sexual relationship at 11 and then presented you with a baby to look after? I'm pretty certain that 8 years from now when he reaches that age you will feel quite differently about childhood pregnancies.

[quote][p][bold]deekaytee[/bold] wrote:
It is relative in the sense that people state that life stops after having a child. And I just wondered is there an ideal age? Because some people aren't ready to be parents in their late twenties either. I do fully understand the questioning around the age and laws. And given the chance people may be able to prove that kids having kids isn't a complete negative. But no ones even giving these young parents a chance. Although I would like to state every individual is different and some people just tend to handle having kids better than others.[/p][/quote]You cannot be serious. A twelve year old cannot take care of themselves let alone a child of their own.Then there's the question of the stability of the parent's relationship. The chances of them staying together is very, very low. Their child will almost certainly therefore be deprived of one parent - probably the father - who will be chased for maintenance as soon as he starts earning.
In the meantime, the state, i.e. taxpayers, will pick up the considerable tab for bringing up the baby as the parents cannot earn and will therefore qualify for every benefit going. I'll bet the grandparents, even if well off, won't turn the money away either.
The problem is that the ultra-liberalism you are demonstrating here, where children breed children, is precisely the attitude that has encouraged undersge sex and resulted in so many babies being born and ending up in broken homes. Making excuses for children this young getting pregnant is effectively giving the go ahead for all eleven year old girls to have sexual relationships. It's also like ringing the dinner bell for paedophiles.
Can you not see that children need clear boundaries set to protect them, not daft and confusing philosophising that getting pregnant at eleven 'isn't a complete negative'. That's a terrible message and if followed would condemn many children to make mistakes that would very likely lead them into a life of hardship and benefit dependency.
I wonder how you would feel if your own son was having a sexual relationship at 11 and then presented you with a baby to look after? I'm pretty certain that 8 years from now when he reaches that age you will feel quite differently about childhood pregnancies.D_Penn

I do feel that I'm highly optimistic when it comes to real life situations. I daren't consider the possibility that a pessimist could understand my perspective, I do feel your view in life is influenced by constant negative occurrences in an individual's life and In turn pessimists are incapable of believing the best in people.

However I do agree that parenting skills can be put into question in such cases. But then it raises the question, what is the best parenting method? From what I understand, every child is unique and needs to be brought up using different parenting methods.

I also am still wondering if there is an ideal age to be a parent. As even parents who have played there role as parents for years are still unable to master the role of an ideal parent.

I would also like to make a point that pregnancies at a young age have been around for decades, quite visible in various cultures. I strongly disagree with forcing young girls into becoming pregnant. But I feel in this case where both young parents took the step to reach this stage, then they should be treated as adults and given the opportunity to prove themselves.

And I have also learned today for the first time that there are people who can undeniably predict the future. And am slightly in awe at this stage. I should really begin to prepare for my grand babies now.

As I see no logical reason to proceed with this debate as I feel every individual is entitled to their own opinion. And at the end of the day I'm not here to judge, but I do feel strongly about helping people who ask for it and need it, instead of constantly placing criticisms and blame on everyone and everything and of course I choose to leave the predicting to others.

I do feel that I'm highly optimistic when it comes to real life situations. I daren't consider the possibility that a pessimist could understand my perspective, I do feel your view in life is influenced by constant negative occurrences in an individual's life and In turn pessimists are incapable of believing the best in people.
However I do agree that parenting skills can be put into question in such cases. But then it raises the question, what is the best parenting method? From what I understand, every child is unique and needs to be brought up using different parenting methods.
I also am still wondering if there is an ideal age to be a parent. As even parents who have played there role as parents for years are still unable to master the role of an ideal parent.
I would also like to make a point that pregnancies at a young age have been around for decades, quite visible in various cultures. I strongly disagree with forcing young girls into becoming pregnant. But I feel in this case where both young parents took the step to reach this stage, then they should be treated as adults and given the opportunity to prove themselves.
And I have also learned today for the first time that there are people who can undeniably predict the future. And am slightly in awe at this stage. I should really begin to prepare for my grand babies now.
As I see no logical reason to proceed with this debate as I feel every individual is entitled to their own opinion. And at the end of the day I'm not here to judge, but I do feel strongly about helping people who ask for it and need it, instead of constantly placing criticisms and blame on everyone and everything and of course I choose to leave the predicting to others.deekaytee

D_Penn wrote:
If you had an eleven year old daughter with a boyfriend wouldn't you watch them both like hawks to preclude temptation getting an opportunity? They might not like being given strict rules, but that is what good and attentive parents do to protect the very young from themselves.

This is not a case for prosecution of the children involved as it would serve no useful purpose, but perhaps the parental role should come under scrutiny. There is always the chance that the parents were careful and unlucky, but as we see so often today, many let their young run wild. If that's the case here I'd be happy for the police to throw the book at them as, in my opinion, they would be the ones responsible for the law being broken and having these children's lives spoilt before they've hardly begun.

And who was watching YOU?....

[quote][p][bold]D_Penn[/bold] wrote:
If you had an eleven year old daughter with a boyfriend wouldn't you watch them both like hawks to preclude temptation getting an opportunity? They might not like being given strict rules, but that is what good and attentive parents do to protect the very young from themselves.
This is not a case for prosecution of the children involved as it would serve no useful purpose, but perhaps the parental role should come under scrutiny. There is always the chance that the parents were careful and unlucky, but as we see so often today, many let their young run wild. If that's the case here I'd be happy for the police to throw the book at them as, in my opinion, they would be the ones responsible for the law being broken and having these children's lives spoilt before they've hardly begun.[/p][/quote]And who was watching YOU?....welshmen

the mother , a grandmother at 27 ... disgusting !!!!
she was a mother herself at around 15 years old ... so you would have thought she would have wanted better for her own daughter, a serious boyfriend at 11. how many times did these 2 ''love-birds'' have sex before she got pregnant !!! this new mother is only in her 2nd year at secondary school, still a little girl.

the mother , a grandmother at 27 ... disgusting !!!!
she was a mother herself at around 15 years old ... so you would have thought she would have wanted better for her own daughter, a serious boyfriend at 11. how many times did these 2 ''love-birds'' have sex before she got pregnant !!! this new mother is only in her 2nd year at secondary school, still a little girl.shabina

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